Rona-lee Shimon Embraces Single Motherhood and Career Amidst Personal Growth

Israeli actress and dancer Rona-lee Shimon, who celebrated her son Oli's first birthday last July, is embracing single motherhood and a burgeoning career. Oli's first words, 'I don't want,' humorously reflect his mother's determined personality, a trait she sought in a sperm donor from abroad, described as someone who 'follows himself.' Shimon, 43, announced in February 2025 she will become a single mother, a path she chose deliberately, emphasizing she never felt pressured to find a partner for procreation. She froze her eggs at 38, fearing future regret, and the desire to have a child intensified after the October 7th Hamas attacks.

Shimon opted against co-parenting, preferring to have sole decision-making authority. She found inspiration in actress Ronit Elkabetz, who had children later in life. Despite a difficult childbirth and recovery, Shimon returned to her role in the musical 'Chicago' just five weeks later, finding strength after releasing the pressure to immediately regain her pre-pregnancy physique. She also recently starred in the new play 'Moradot' and is rehearsing for a new production of 'Billy Schwartz.'

The biggest challenge of single motherhood, Shimon notes, is making all decisions alone, yet this is also its greatest ease. She relies on her intuition and a strong support system of family and friends. Looking ahead, she plans to have another child with the same donor, prepared for any future scenario. Her dating standards have evolved, now prioritizing a man's ability to be a responsible role model for her child.